I finally got Daisy

I haven't been happy with my style of cardmaking for a while, so have done quite a bit of blog hopping recently and noted the numerous challenge sketches available to take part in. It never ceases to amaze me how many talented crafters there are out there and how they can transform a sketch into a gorgeous work of art. I wouldnt suggest I am anywhere near ready for taking part in a challenge but I have had another dabble today - had a go at the colouring technique using pencils and sansodor on Daisy from Sugar Nellie; made a start using some of the gorgeous papers I have, instead of hording them in a drawer, so out came the K&Co 'Hannah' pad and I used 3 pages from it; one of them I ripped to give the torn edge (never done that before!!! The birthday greeting is my own creation too - computer generated using dry transfer decal paper to make my own rub ons and the finising touch is a Flora Doodles flower. The insert is stamped with a free stamp set which came with Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine - it wasn't intended to have dots on the insert; silly Linda coloured the flowers with Sakura stardust pens and forgot to let it dry before closing the card - my chin hit the floor when I saw the smudges (yes, the insert had already been fixed into the finished card!) , so the smudges were transformed into dots - phew!! I have a long way to go but I really enjoyed making this card

....and finally for tonight

After looking at so many blogs over the last few months, including the challenges, I have realised I don't think 'out of the box' or outside my comfort zone when it comes to cards. I have pads and pads of gorgeous cards and papers and rarely get them out; partly because as the pads come out, inspiration flies right out of the window and also due to the fact I look at them, admire them and put them back thinking I can't possibly cut into such lovely card and paper. As a consequence I now have more than enough to open up my own craft shop so, it's time to use some of it. Putting all these things together - challenge - comfort zone - inspiration and the need to try something different, I had a dabble with this one. Chalked the image of Twinkle with shimmer chalks; added Glamour Dust to her boa and a few gems for the bling factor and a touch of hand doodling round the edges. Matted onto nestie circles and then onto K&Co paper. Even the ribbon finish is different for me - I would have normally gone for a subtle pink but decided to have one that would 'pop' out and finally finished with a craftwork cards greeting flower, also chalked. The insert is a Funky Daze paper.

Although its nice to get complimentary comments; I would appreciate a critique from you clever ladies who seem to rattle them off for challenges in the blink of an eye - how could I have improved it please?